Abstract View
Article Title:
PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS IN AFRICA:
THE ROLE OF THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM OF THE AFRICAN UNION (AU)
| Abstract: The adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1981 brought Africa into the league of the other continents in their quest to ensure the observance of human rights of the peoples. This Charter contains a dispute settlement mechanism designed to ensure peace in the continent. The African Charter is fashioned to suit the perceived peculiar circumstances of Africans. This paper examines the normative right contents of the African Charter and the measures of implementation to ensure the dignity and worth of the African people; and lasting peace in the continent. The paper shows a mechanism designed to maintain socio-political stability and how its effective application enhances peace in the continent. It is however found that some of the provisions of the African Charter make reference to the conditions laid down in national law, and this limits the enforcement of the Charter in domestic jurisdictions. The methodology we adopt is the doctrinal research method which is a legal research approach. This paper focuses on the protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as an instrument peace building in a heterogeneous continent as Africa. The paper is of great significance to the public as it highlights the rights conferred on all persons on the continent and the means by which such individuals can seek redress in the event of infraction of those rights. The dispute settlement mechanism provided by the Charter has the potential of maintaining peaceful relationship in Africa. |
| Keywords: African Union, Dispute, Settlement, Peace, Role and rights. |
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